First Lieutenant Todd Weaver of the U.S. Army from Hampton, Virginia, was murdered by an IED while serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. The 26-year-old soldier left behind a small daughter called Kiley who would be too young to know her devoted father. Prior to his passing, Todd took action since he was aware that this outcome was a possibility. But it wasn’t until days after his death that his wife would learn the truth.
Emma got her husband’s laptop, which he had used while serving in the military, along with his remains. Emma didn’t get a chance to take a close look at the device until two days after Todd’s burial because she was too distraught and overwhelmed with grief to do so.
Following the return of the honored officer’s corpse, a memorial ceremony was conducted so that friends and relatives could pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, mourners were urged to donate to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund. Emma ultimately cracked into Todd’s laptop in Afghanistan two days later. She then saw something that caused her to instantly stop moving.
Emma must have been in excruciating anguish when she realized she would never get to say goodbye after hearing the sad news that her devoted husband and the father of her child had perished in an explosion in Afghanistan. However, Todd had something on his computer all along that he had left for his wife and their daughter in the case of his death.
Two Word documents were open on the computer’s desktop in front of her, despite the fact that she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. One was addressed to “Dear Emma,” while the other was addressed to “Dear Kiley.” Emma quickly came to terms with the fact that should he not return home alive, she and their daughter would receive a message from her husband. Emma started to peruse through her husband’s letters of farewell:
Dear Emma:
Well if you are reading this, I guess I did not make it home and therefore, I was not able to remind you again of how much I love you.
I love you so much baby and I will always love you. Although I may not be here right now, take comfort in the fact that I am watching over you right now.
I am not gone and I will always be with you in spirit. I know this time must be hard for you but I also know how strong you are.
Never forget that God knew what was best for us before we were even born. Take comfort in that. This happened for a reason. Although you may not believe it now, you will one day.
I want you to know just how important you are to me. I could not ask for a more caring, beautiful and loving wife. The memories that we have shared over the last few years have been the best of my life. Although it may seem like my life was cut short, I lived a life that most can only dream of. I married the perfect woman. I have a beautiful daughter that amazed me every day.
I even had two great dogs — at least most of the time. I couldn’t ask for anything more. If you feel sad, just think back to the memories that we shared. Look at our daughter and how beautiful she is.
Be strong for her. Remind her about her Daddy and tell her that I loved her more than anything else in the world. Her birth was the best day of my life and she was the best thing that ever happened to me. Her smile and laughter represent all that is good and beautiful in this world.
Tell her that Daddy is in heaven now and will watch over her and protect her every minute of every day. I love you, Emma. But never be afraid to do what you need to do to be happy. It is so important that you continue to find happiness in your life. Although you may think this is impossible right now, have faith.
Much better times are coming. You and Kiley have a wonderful life ahead of you and I am so happy to have shared some of it with you.
I love you.
Your loving Husband,
Todd
Not only had Todd poured his heart out to his wife, he had also written an amazing and inspirational letter for his young daughter. Although it hurt to read his words, it was obvious that they were chosen to give both Emma and Kiley strength after he was gone. Todd’s second letter was for Kiley, who was just 9-months-old:
Dear Kiley, My Sweetie:
Although you may not remember me, I want you to know how very much your Daddy loves you.
I left for Afghanistan when you were 9 months old.
Leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
You are so very special to me sweetie — you are truly a gift from God.
The best day of my life was the day you were born.
Every time I saw you smile my heart would just melt.
You were my sweetie — my life was not complete until you were born.
I am so sorry I will not be able to see you grow up.
But remember, your Daddy is not gone. I am in heaven now smiling down on you every day.
You are so very lucky to have such a wonderful Mom to take care of you.
Make sure you are good for her and help her out whenever you can.
Always remember to say your prayers at night and be thankful for all your many blessings.
Never forget how important and special you are to so many people.
We love you so very much. When you get older and start school, do your best and try to learn as much as you can about the world you live in.
Always be nice and caring to others and you will discover that the world will be nice to you.
But when things aren’t going your way, never forget that God knows what is best for you and everything will work out in the end.
You have such a bright and beautiful future ahead of you.
Have fun. Enjoy it. And remember, your Daddy will always be proud of you and will always love you.
You are and will always be my sweetie.
With very much love,
Your Daddy
The letters to each of the leading ladies in Todd Weaver’s short life were emotional, yet strong, showing his bravery as he served, knowing he could end up making the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Emma wrote in her online blog, A Day in the Life, that although the words were “so hard” to read, they brought her peace and courage.
“I couldn’t imagine being at war and seeing what he did every day and then having the courage to write goodbye letters to the ones you love. He was so strong,” Emma wrote, adding that Todd’s words have given her “Courage to tackle each day with the same spirit he would have.”
Always wanting to remember his encouraging words, she had the letters superimposed on photos. Her letter was placed over the couple’s wedding picture, while young Kiley’s is displayed along with a photo of her with her dad, reading to her when she was around a week old, according to Daily Mail.
Both letters have been proudly displayed on the wall of Emma’s home. “Although they are private letters I have thought long and hard about how significant they are and the importance of sharing the depth of wisdom Todd had for being 26 years old at the time of his death,” Emma explained.